Lighting of the Lightship Dec 29

On December 29 Northwest Seaport board members will turn on more than 2000 feet of lights decorating the historic Lightship No.83 SWIFTSURE. South Lake Union community members and Museum of History and Industry grand opening attendees will gather for an official Lighting of the Lightship just after sunset at 4:30p.m.

Northwest Seaport is in the process of a restoration project that includes replacing the wooden deck and restoring the electrical system. Upon completion of the restoration, the Lightship No. 83 will be open to visitors.

“The MOHAI grand opening is a grand community event, and Northwest Seaport wishes congratulate the organization on such a landmark event.” said Otto Loggers, Executive Director. “We also hope visitors looking out the maritime gallery exhibition windows onto the Historic Ships Wharf will connect the exhibits with the Seaport’s floating fleet and the Northwest’s maritime heritage.”

Lightship No. 83 SWIFTSURE (1904) is one of the oldest lightships in the country and the only one to have her original steam engines. A lightship acts as a lighthouse and is used in locations unsuitable for lighthouse construction. The 129-foot ship is a National Historic Landmark and is on the Washington State Heritage Register. The Lightship No. 83 has made its home in many ports, and has had many names — first “Blunts Reef,” then “San Francisco,” then “Relief,” and finally “Swiftsure,” in the tradition of assuming the name of the nearest lightship station. Today, Northwest Seaport is in the process of a restoration project that includes replacing the wooden deck and restoring the electrical system. Upon completion of the restoration, the Lightship No. 83 will be open to visitors.

Northwest Seaport crew and volunteers will decorate holiday lighting on the Swiftsure’s deck, railing and rigging.

This event would not be possible without the generous support from Vulcan Inc., a member of the South Lake Union business community. Lighting of the Lightship will be a beacon of holiday spirit and celebration of MOHAI’s grand opening.